<h4>Chapter 148: Growing Up</h4>


    Brianna nodded; she was utterly exhausted these days. After confronting the mistress, she ended up getting beaten by Robert so badly that she could hardly get out of bed.


    Now with Robert pushing for a divorce and no agreement in sight, she waspletely drained.


    As soon as E stepped out of the vi, she saw Eric’s car parked outside. He leaned against it, giving her a charming smile that made her blush slightly. From this moment on, her fate was going to take a different path.


    She was quite fond of the Eternal Sea Estate, a new home that symbolized a fresh start and a whole new destiny. However, she had decided not to move in until next year.


    "Hurry up! Why are you dawdling? Can’t walk when you see a handsome guy?" Eric teased when he saw E standing still, lost in thought.


    E’s face darkened slightly. Did this guy really need to be so full of himself?


    But, she had to admit... she had frozen up a little upon seeing him because, well, Eric was indeed quite striking. Who wouldn’t stop and stare?


    "Where should we go for breakfast?" Eric walked up to her, taking the suitcase from her hands with surprising care.


    E hadn’t eaten breakfast before leaving; she really didn’t want to sit with those two women.


    "You decide!" E bent down and got into the car. Eric ced the suitcase in the trunk and returned to the driver’s seat. "How about Sapphire Shores Tavern? We didn’t get to finishst time, and it was such a shame."


    E frowned as she remembered running into James therest time. "Do they... always treat you like that?"


    "What do you think?" Eric narrowed his eyes,zily reclining in his seat.


    Sapphire Shores Tavern was a joint venture between him and Brian, so he paid it special attention. He also had various other private ventures, all managed with a few close friends.


    For instance, the Night Charm Bar, which he co-owned with Richard, was now flourishing. Although it didn’t bring in as much profit as the Elite Horizon Club, it was still a very sessful personal investment.


    "I guess they’ve always treated you like that... Your stepmother is quite the actress too." E smirked. Whenever she saw Grace, she was reminded of Brianna.


    But knowing Eric, how could he tolerate such a woman in his home?


    Perhaps he wasn’t in a hurry to deal with her just yet?


    "Don’t worry about me. I’ll handle my issues in due time. Haven’t you heard the saying, ’Revenge is a dish best served cold’? Letting the enemy suffer slowly, letting her stew in her misery over time—that’s not too bad." Eric’s voice was darkly amused.


    E nodded, gazing at his handsome profile, and she suddenly understood something.


    Why had Eric noticed her from the start, and not Hannah?


    First, it wasn’t just that he had seen the server spiking the drink; he had also seen through Brianna’s hypocrisy.


    Second, maybe it was because their experiences were somewhat simr. Both of them had lost their mothers early and were left with despicable fathers, which made him pay special attention to her.


    "What’s this? Mesmerized by your husband again? How about... we have a little fun in the car?"


    His voice was wickedly suggestive, and the warm breath on her delicate face made her blush.


    At some point, Eric had moved closer, his intense eyes burning with desire.


    E felt her face heat up slightly. "Eric! Don’t... don’t be so lewd. Every time I see you, you’re like a wolf!"


    E furrowed her brow in frustration. They were right in front of the Davis family’s house. What if Hannah came out and saw Eric’s car...?


    "Aren’t you deeply in love with this side of me?" The man shamelessly remarked.


    E’s face darkened. "Eric! I... I am not in love with you!"


    "Oh?" Eric’s gaze suddenly turned icy, locking onto her with a slight frown.


    E lowered her head nervously, realizing she had upset him again.


    "And who was it... that once cried and begged for mercy under me?" Eric’szy yet sensual voice carried a teasing tone that made E feel even more embarrassed!


    Every time, she was utterly defeated, begging him for mercy in every way possible!


    It was all Eric’s fault—he was too wicked, always pushing her to the point where she had to beg him to stop!


    E’s face turned bright red. "I’m hungry, just drive already!"


    "Hungry, are you?"


    E waspletely thrown off by his words!


    Was Eric getting even more mischievous, or what?


    Eric shed a wicked smile and leaned over her. "If you’re hungry, I’ll feed you first!"


    E nearly choked on her own breath, but before she could retaliate, his lips sealed hers in a deep kiss, making her let out a muffled whimper as she frantically tried to push him away.


    The car was filled with the sound of heavy, hurried breathing.


    "Eric, stop teasing me! I’m really hungry!" E protested, her face flushed like a peach blossom. "I’m not as insatiable as you make it sound!"


    Eric chuckled, his deep voice melodious and captivating, making her feel a little dazed.


    She turned her head away in frustration, and just then, her stomach growled.


    "Alright, my dear E’s little mouth is hungry. Let’s go, off to Sapphire Shores Tavern."


    His tone was yful, and with a smirk on his lips, he started the car and slowly drove towards the road.


    E secretly let out a sigh of relief. Eric was just too... too wicked! He always had to tease her until her face was bright red and her heart was racing before he was satisfied!


    Yet, this yful interaction left her longing for more, and she often found herself thinking about the things he said to her even while at school.


    High school courses weren’t really difficult for E. With her exceptional memory, it was as if she had a powerful advantage. Whether it was the college entrance exams or university courses, she no longer feared them!


    So during ss, E often found her mind wandering.


    "By the way, how’s Brianna’s situation?" Eric knew the n was in motion but hadn’t paid much attention to what was happening on Brianna’s end.


    "She’s been beaten ck and blue by Robert, and now they’re in the middle of a divorce." E smirked, her eyes shing with cold light. "It won’t be long before Robert figures out a way to deal with Brianna."


    Robert wasn’t about to let half his assets go to Brianna, especially since she held incriminating evidence of his affair.


    So, Robert had toe up with a good strategy to win the divorce battle.


    "My girl is truly impressive. This n is going so smoothly because you’ve analyzed their psychology so well," Eric said with a lightugh.


    E raised an eyebrow proudly. "Of course! If it’s good enough to earn Mr. Nelson’s approval, then my n must be wless."


    "Has Leah contacted you?" Eric thought of Leah, the overseas returnee who was a big name at Carter Group and known for her formidable negotiation skills.


    "She did, but she didn’t get anywhere. I doubt she’ll bother me again."E smiled as she spoke, but she hadn’t expected that when they arrived at Sapphire Shores Tavern, she would run into Leah.


    "Leah is a skilled negotiator. You should be cautious and not let pride get the better of you," Eric said softly. He could have handled these matters himself, but he knew that for E, this was an important step in her growth.


    Without obstacles and challenges, a person can never truly grow.